After a two-year wait for his first Test start, Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams says he feels prepared to make the most of his opportunity against Argentina on Saturday.
Williams will make his starting debut in the Rugby Championship finale at Ellis Park. It will be the 27-year-old’s fourth Test appearance, with all three of his previous caps coming as a substitute.
Having made his Test debut against Los Pumas in 2021, Williams has had to bide his time, but that has been a theme of his career, as he was not picked up by a major franchise despite starring for Paarl Gymnasium.
Instead, he had to grow his game in the club rugby scene in Durban, before he was picked up by the Sharks and made his senior professional debut in 2017.
TEAM: Duane leads new-look Boks
“It’s an awesome opportunity, first of all. I have had to wait my turn,” Williams said during the Bok team announcement conference on Tuesday. “Finally, I can go out there on Saturday and perform my role and hopefully help the team get a good result. That’s the most important thing.
“I played club rugby after school – in 2014 – I was at College Rovers in Durban. Perseverance is what I would say is the biggest thing that was installed in me. That’s what got me to this point. I am extremely grateful.
A formidable loose trio and an inexperienced half-back pairing, @mark_keohane and Zels unpack the Springbok team selection🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Mw3J6n57Mt
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 25, 2023
“My first Bok camp was in 2021, but I think it was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t play that much so soon, because I wasn’t ready. Now, finally, I can say that I’m ready to play international rugby.
“For the first time, I feel fit and healthy. I had a lot of niggles and struggled with small things. It’s the first time that I’m playing fully fit, without any niggles, which is also a blessing for me.”
Jacques Nienaber, who made nine changes to the starting lineup that lost to the All Blacks in Auckland, is delighted with the progress Williams has made over the past year.
“We are fortunate that we have five really quality scrumhalves. Somebody also asked me during the week about Grant, and I think it’s not only about the two games that he came off the bench,” the Bok coach said.
“Last year he didn’t get an opportunity and he was probably number four or five in the pecking order. The other guys were all fit and had game time. It’s also about how he trained and then played for his franchise.
“So it’s not only about how he played during the last two Test matches. It’s about what he has done since he has been in the mix with us. He has always been a guy who has given his all and deserves the opportunity. He is definitely putting up his hand.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter